India Chase Down 133-Run Target with Ease in T20I Series Opener at Eden Gardens
Kolkata, January 22: Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock of 79 off 34 balls propelled India to a dominant seven-wicket victory against England in the first T20I of 2025 at Eden Gardens. India comfortably chased down England’s modest target of 133 runs, securing their first T20I win of the year with over seven overs to spare.
Abhishek Sharma Sets the Stage
India maintained an aggressive approach despite the low target. Sanju Samson started cautiously against Jofra Archer but soon unleashed a flurry of boundaries, scoring 22 runs in two overs. Abhishek Sharma, inspired by his partner’s aggression, joined the onslaught with a series of boundaries and sixes.
Archer, however, struck back by dismissing Samson (26) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (0) in quick succession, reducing India to 41/2. Undeterred, Abhishek continued his fireworks, reaching his half-century in style with a towering six. Though his innings ended at 79, his explosive performance had already sealed England’s fate.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma ensured there were no further hiccups, steering India home with 7.2 overs remaining.
England Stumbles Under Spin Pressure
Earlier, after winning the toss, India opted to field. Arshdeep Singh struck early, dismissing Phil Salt for a duck in the first over and becoming India’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 97 dismissals.
Jos Buttler, England’s skipper, tried to stabilize the innings with a brisk 68 off 44 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. However, his efforts lacked support from the other end as India’s spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy, dismantled England’s batting lineup.
Chakravarthy claimed three key wickets, including Buttler, while Axar Patel contributed with two dismissals. England struggled throughout, finishing their innings at 132/10 in 19.5 overs.
Match Highlights:
- India’s Bowling: Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthrough and Varun Chakravarthy’s spin masterclass (3/24) restricted England to a below-par total.
- England’s Innings: Jos Buttler’s valiant 68 couldn’t prevent the collapse as spinners choked the middle order.
- India’s Chase: Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 79 and steady contributions from Samson and Pandya secured the win.
Tags: India vs England T20I, Abhishek Sharma innings, Eden Gardens cricket, Indian T20I team, Jos Buttler knock, Varun Chakravarthy bowling, low-scoring T20 match
#INDvsENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma #EdenGardens #CricketIndia #JosButtler #IndianSpinners